Education: PhD Molecular Medicine and Translational Science 2007-2012Wake Forest School of MedicineBS (Biology), 2002, University of North CarolinaMS (Biotechnology), 2005, Johns Hopkins University

Advisor: Colin Bishop, PhD; Institute for Regenerative Medicine

Current Research:

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a hereditary form of diabetes which is caused by single gene mutations which results in the disruption of insulin production. The goal of my research is to develop a stem cell-based system to examine cellular phenotypes resulting from mutations or polymorphisms associated with MODY. The underlying genetics of many forms of MODY is already known, however it is extremely difficult to obtain human beta-cells from these patients to study the mechanism by which the genetic abnormality causes a defect in insulin synthesis/secretion/response at the cellular level. Generating induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from MODY patients and differentiating them in vitro to islet-like clusters makes it possible to study these mechanisms both in vitro and in vivo. Using this system we will be able to distinguish the developmental effects of the MODY gene mutations from effects on signaling and gene expression in mature islets.

Grants Awarded:

Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research“Effects of a diabetes causing hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha defect on development and function of insulin producing cells in vitro” December 2010

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